Why Invest in a Dash Cam in Arizona?

If you’ve ever been in a car accident and wished that you had video evidence of what happened, you’re one of many drivers who should invest in a dash cam. The name is short for “dashboard camera” and is a suction-mounted camera, about the size of a Go-Pro, that records your view as a driver. They can be powered by batteries, your 12-volt wiring, or the cigarette lighter in your vehicle. Dash cams record on continuous loops, and some are even sensitive enough to save footage immediately on impact of a crash. Drivers who have them swear by them, and they are even being used by freight truck drivers and other delivery services for their safety.

Arizona has pretty strict motor vehicle laws, and felony convictions demand mandatory prison time. Here at the Weingart Law Firm, we have represented clients in a myriad of car-related cases, whether they be DUI cases, hit and runs, or reckless driving. We believe in the saying that a picture is a worth a thousand words, but also believe that video evidence of a crime is priceless in a case. Take a look below at just a few examples of where a dash cam can protect your rights and your side of the story.

Car Accidents

One of the top reasons that folks invest in a dash cam is to record car accident footage, should the unthinkable happen. Dash cams are a unbiased view of the facts in the accident, and are very valuable evidence in a car accident case. These are especially useful in felony car accident cases, such as manslaughter, aggravated assault with a vehicle, and hit and run accidents. If you also are feeling threatened by an aggressive driver (i.e. “road rage”), dash cams are insurmountable evidence if you decide to press charges.

Hit & Runs

No doubt, you or someone you know has returned to their car on the street or in a parking garage with some new dents and damage to your vehicle, only to find the perpetrator long gone. In addition, incidents may happen where the victim has been clearly hit on camera, and then the offending driver speeds away. In these cases, a dash cam can catch the license plate and make and model of the vehicle at fault. Many dash cams also have the ability to continue recording when your car is parked, in case someone hits you while you’re gone.

Insurance Fraud

While it may sound incredible, there are actually folks out there who purposely try to get hit by a car or truck. If in a vehicle, they will brake suddenly without cause, or as a pedestrian they will jump in front of a vehicle. Without evidence to prove it was fraud, these offenders can sue for compensation. A dash cam can prove otherwise, that the other driver or pedestrian was purposely trying to commit fraud.

Don’t Be a “Social Media Shamer”

It has become wildly popular in recent times to post supposedly “shameful” things on social media to garner comments and discussion. However, some dash cam drivers are also posting what they see online, on sites such as YouTube and Facebook. Some police are considering dash cams to be a form of vigilante justice, as dash cam drivers turn over their findings to police, even if they were not directly involved in the accident. If you have caught a serious crime on your dash cam, do not post it online, but instead turn it over to the police for investigation.

Dash Cams and Car Accidents at The Weingart Firm

If you possess a dash cam and get into an accident, do not disclose your video evidence to the other driver until you’ve spoken with an attorney or law enforcement. Contact us right away if you have been involved in a serious motor vehicle accident. We’ll investigate your case, including speaking with crash forensics, law enforcement, and more. The Weingart Firm is here to help and protect your rights.